War of 1812 begins - Jun 18, 1812 - HISTORY.com War of 1812 begins Publisher A+E Networks The day after the Senate followed the House of Representatives in voting to declare war against Great Britain, President James Madison signs the declaration into law–and the War of 1812 begins. The American war declaration, opposed by a sizable minority in Congress, had been called in response to the British economic blockade of France, the induction of American seaman into the British Royal Navy against their will, and the British support of hostile Indian tribes along the Great Lakes frontier. A faction of Congress known as the “War Hawks” had been advocating war with Britain for several years and had not hidden their hopes that a U.S. invasion of Canada might result in significant territorial land gains for the United States. In the months after President Madison proclaimed the state of war to be in effect, American forces launched a three-point invasion of Canada, all of which were decisively unsuccessful. In 1814, with Napoleon Bonaparte’s French Empire collapsing, the British were able to allocate more military resources to the American war, and Washington, D.C., fell to the British in August.

In Washington, British troops burned the White House, the Capitol, and other buildings in retaliation for the earlier burning of government buildings in Canada by U.S. soldiers. In September, the tide of the war turned when Thomas Macdonough’s American naval force won a decisive victory at the Battle of Plattsburg Bay on Lake Champlain. The invading British army was forced to retreat back into Canada. The American victory on Lake Champlain led to the conclusion of U.S.-British peace negotiations in Belgium, and on December 24, 1814, the Treaty of Ghent was signed, formally ending the War of 1812. By the terms of the agreement, all conquered territory was to be returned, and a commission would be established to settle the boundary of the United States and Canada. British forces assailing the Gulf Coast were not informed of the treaty in time, and on January 8, 1815, the U.S. forces under Andrew Jackson achieved the greatest American victory of the war at the Battle of New Orleans. The American public heard of Jackson’s victory and the Treaty of Ghent at approximately the same time, fostering a greater sentiment of self-confidence and shared identity throughout the young republic.

Related Videos The American Revolution: War of 1812 The War of 1812: American Independence Confirmed The American leaders who declared war on Great Britain in 1812 firmly believed that they were beginning a second war of independence. Although the United States failed to achieve any of its stated war aims, the War of 1812 confirmed American nationhood and secured a new respect for the infant republic among the powers of Europe. The signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 ended the Revolutionary War and established the United States among the nations of the world. The treaty, however, neither guaranteed the new nationï¿½s survival nor ensured that the powers of Europe would respect its rights. In upholding its rights to trade freely with all of the worldï¿½s countries, the United States government struggled to find a balance between military preparedness and diplomacy. The prolonged wars between Britain and France (1793-1815), kicked off by the French Revolution, greatly complicated Americaï¿½s ability to protect the rights of its shipping and sailors. Additionally, many Americans along the nationï¿½s western frontier believed that the British in Canada encouraged Indian raids on their settlements.

Attacks by the French on American shipping led to an undeclared naval war from 1798 to 1801, known as the Quasi-War. When war between Britain and France started up again in 1803, Britain forbade neutrals, including the United States, from trading with France and her allies. Many Americans believed Britainï¿½s measures were an attempt to re-impose colonial status on them. Desperate for sailors to man their warships, British captains increasingly boarded American ships and ï¿½impressedï¿½ sailors into service, claiming that the merchant seamen were deserters from the Royal Navy. Americaï¿½s efforts to preserve its neutral rights by stopping all trade with the warring powers had no effect, other than to hurt the U.S. economy. On June 18, 1812, after two decades of watching its rights violated, the United States defiantly declared war on Britain. President James Madisonï¿½s war message to Congress echoed the language of the Declaration of Independence In military terms, the War of 1812 was inconclusive. The U.S.

achieved some notable victories: on Lake Erie (commemorated at Perryï¿½s Victory and International Peace Memorial ), at Fort McHenry (commemorated at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine ), and in the Battle of New Orleans (commemorated at Chalmette Battlefield, part of Jean Lafitte National Historic Park & Preserve ). But the war also saw Washington occupied and the White House set on fire. Two American invasions of Canada failed. The 1814 Treaty of Ghent, which ended the war, merely affirmed the situation prevailing before the war began (the status quo antebellum). The treaty was silent on the issues of commercial rights that had led to war. When war between Britain and France ended in 1815, so did British interference with American shipping. The most notable result of the War of 1812 was an upsurge in American nationalism.

At the warï¿½s conclusion a French diplomat commented that ï¿½the war has given the Americans what they so essentially lacked, a national character.ï¿½ The three-year conflict also resulted in increased funding of the peacetime military, better coastal defenses, a more secure western frontier, and a final confirmation of the Revolutionï¿½s outcome. The power of the Indian nations of the Old Northwest and Old Southwest was decisively broken, opening the way for white settlement across a broad front. Never again would European powers have significant influence with American tribes. The war also produced a new national symbol, The Star-Spangled Banner, which Congress made our national anthem in 1931. Most importantly, Americaï¿½s independence and status in the world were reaffirmed, never again to be seriously challenged. . To learn more: Today in History - June 18 | Library of Congress Library of Congress Today in History - June 18 June 18 Listen to this page The War of 1812 On June 18, 1812, President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain, marking the beginning of the War of 1812.

Frustrated by Britain’s maritime practices and support of Native American resistance to western expansion, the U.S. entered the war with ambitious plans to conquer Canada, a goal that was never realized. The Fall of Washington—or Maddy in Full Flight (detail), Engraving, London: S. W. Fores, 1814. Prints & Photographs Division The strength of the British army proved too great for U.S. forces. Both on land and at sea, U.S. troops suffered great losses. In August 1814, British troops entered Washington, D.C., and burned the Capitol and the White House . By December, both the Americans and the British recognized that it was time to end the conflict. Representatives of the two nations met in Belgium on December 24 and signed the Treaty of Ghent , which ended the war and restored previously recognized boundaries between the United States and British territory in North America. Funeral of Hiram Cronk , American Mutoscope and iograph Company, 1905.

The Life of a City: Early Films of New York, 1898-1906 Hiram Cronk, who was thought to have been the last surviving veteran of the War of 1812, died in 1905 at the age of 105. This film shows his funeral procession through Brooklyn, New York , which included a hearse drawn by four black horses, escorted by veterans of the Civil War. California Gold: Northern California Folk Music from the Thirties Collected by Sidney Robertson Cowell includes a recording of “ James Bird ,” a ballad that tells the story of a soldier who distinguished himself for bravery at the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812 but later was shot as a deserter. I Want You James Montgomery Flagg, creator of this illustration of Uncle Sam, was born on June 18, 1877, in Pelham Manor, New York. Flagg claimed that his illustration, an indelible American icon, had become the most famous poster in the world. Dressed in his own Uncle Sam suit, he used himself as the model for this poster and his other Uncle Sam illustrations. I Want You for the U.S.

Army , James Montgomery Flagg, artist, 1917. American Treasures of the Library of Congress An illustrator and portrait artist best known for his commercial art, Flagg contributed forty-six works in support of the war effort during World War I. Leslie’s Weekly first published his picture of Uncle Sam as the cover of the July 6, 1916, issue with the title “What Are You Doing for Preparedness?” More than four million copies were printed between 1917 and 1918. The image also was used extensively during World War II. In 1961, Congress passed a resolution that officially recognized meat packer Samuel Wilson (1766-1854) as Uncle Sam’s namesake. Wilson, who supplied meat to the army during the War of 1812, is reputed to have been a man of great fairness, reliability, and honesty who was devoted to his country.

1812: Congress's First Declaration of War Under the Constitution | National Archives 1812: Congress's First Declaration of War Under the Constitution Summary: Students will examine primary sources from the historical records of Congress to analyze the reasons in support of and opposed to going to war against Great Britain in 1812. They will compare multiple perspectives to assess various rationales for whether to fight the War. Reflecting upon their evaluations, students will consider what is worth fighting for and who, under the constitutional separation of powers, should decide questions of war. The document studies conducted in Activities 3 and 5 are based on Common Core State Standards . Rationale: In 1812, members of Congress confronted complex issues when faced with the decision of whether to declare war for the first time under the Constitution. Examining the viewpoints of several actors in that decision, including the President, a congressional committee, and concerned citizens, allows students to gain an understanding of why and how a republic decides to fight a war. This understanding will shed light on other historical declarations of war or decisions to commit troops to combat. It also provides students with the tools to participate as a citizen in the nation’s future decisions on war.

Guiding Question: Why and how did Congress declare war in 1812? Materials: Learning Activities 1. Why and How Should America Go to War? (15 minutes) Divide the students into small groups to address and discuss the questions and Venn diagrams on Worksheet 1 . Instruct each group to select a spokesperson to report their discussion to the class. 2. The Founders and War: Constitutional Context for Declaring War (15 minutes) Divide the students into small groups to discuss the excerpts from the Constitution on Worksheet 2 , and answer the questions. Direct each group to report back to the class, and then engage the full class in a discussion of the questions. 3. Document Study: President James Madison’s Third Annual Message to Congress, November 5, 1811 (30 minutes) Divide the students into small groups to answer the questions on Worksheet 3 about an excerpt from President James Madison’s Third Annual Message to Congress, which is available as Handout 1 . Direct each group report back to the class, then, engage the full class in a discussion of the questions. The questions on Worksheet 3 are aligned with the Common Core State Standards for reading informational texts. 4.

Congressional Debate on Declaring War in 1812 (30 minutes) Divide the class into five small groups to discuss quotes from congressional debate related to declaring war in 1812. Assign one quote from Handout 2 to each group. For each quote students should answer: By whom, on what date, and in what manner (e.g. a report, speech, or petition) was the quote delivered to Congress? What is the main reason for or against war expressed in this quote? On the board, draw a continuum with one end marked as Pro-War and the other marked Anti-War. Direct each group to mark on the continuum where they believe their quote falls, and to cite evidence from the quote to support their determination. Lead a class discussion on these questions: Which of the quotes presents the best justification for or against war in the context of the events of 1812? Why? Could this justification be applied to other wars? Why or why not? Do any of the other quotes present ideas that would reinforce this choice? 5.

Document Study: The "War Manifesto,"; House Foreign Relations Committee Report on a Declaration of War, June 3, 1812 (30 minutes) Divide the students into small groups to answer the questions on Worksheet 4 about an excerpt from the "War Manifesto," House Foreign Relations Committee Report on a Declaration of War, which is available as Handout 3 . You may also choose to distribute or project a facsimile of the Report. Direct each group to report back to the class, then engage the full class in a discussion of the questions. The questions on Worksheet 4 are aligned with the Common Core State Standards for reading informational texts. 6. Reflection Questions: The War of 1812 and the Role of Congress in Decisions about War (30 minutes) Draw upon the insights gained in discussing how and why the U.S. declared war in 1812 to consider the following questions that are applicable to the decisions made later to enter other wars as well as future decisions about war. Can Congress effectively and efficiently decide if the U.S. should go to war? Create a T-chart in which you list the strengths and weaknesses of the legislative branch as the decision maker on questions about entering war.

Draw upon your response to the preceding question to answer the following question: What is the optimal division of authority between Congress and the President about decisions to commit U.S. forces to combat? Should a distinction be made between situations when a President is authorized to commit troops to combat and circumstances that warrant a congressional declaration of war prior to committing troops? Should this distinction be written as law or as an amendment to the Constitution? Return to the text of the Constitution you studied on Worksheet 2 of this lesson. Would you suggest maintaining the language of Article 1, Section 8 and Article 2, Section 2 as they stand? Or would you suggest amending it to express a different allocation of authority over questions of how the U.S. decides to enter war? What would the amended version say?

Related Resources from the National Archives: President James Madison’s Third Annual Message to Congress, November 5, 1811 View in OPA: 7347265 Declaration of War with Great Britain, War of 1812, June 18, 1812 View in OPA: 299950 Treaty of Peace and Amity Between the United States and Great Britain (Treaty of Ghent), December 24, 1814 Declaration of War 1812 | Teaching American History Declaration of War 1812 Academic Standards An Act Declaring War Between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the Dependencies Thereof and the United States of America and Their Territories.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That war be and the same is hereby declared to exist between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and the dependencies thereof, and the United States of America and their territories; and that the President of the United States is hereby authorized to use the whole land and naval force of the United States to carry the same into effect, and to issue to private armed vessels of the United States commissions or letters of marque and general reprisal, in such form as he shall think proper, and under the seal of the United States, against the vessels, goods, and effects of the government of the said United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subjects thereof. APPROVED, June 18, 1812 Short History of the War of 1812 - USS Constitution Museum Short History of the War of 1812 Home USS Constitution History Articles Short History of the War of 1812 At the beginning of the 19th century, the United States was a developing nation. Although twenty years had passed since the end of the American Revolution, the country had not yet achieved economic independence.

The French Empire, ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte, controlled most of mainland Europe. Great Britain was among the few nations free from French domination. With trade suspended between the warring countries, neutral America had a commercial advantage: her merchants could supply both sides. Closely entwined with the questions about the rights of neutrals to trade with European belligerents, the British practice of impressing American merchant sailors stands as one of the central grievances leading up to the War of 1812. By 1811, the British Royal Navy had impressed at least 6,000 mariners who claimed to be citizens of the United States. In addition to impressments, Americans were dismayed by British agitation of the native population on the western frontier. Congress declared war on June 18, 1812. Constitution and the War USS Constitution fought and won three major engagements during the war. Her most famous battle was against HMS Guerriere. Two months after the declaration of war, Constitution, commanded by Captain Isaac Hull, sailed from Boston to harass British shipping near Halifax.

On August 19, 1812, Constitution approached Guerriere, holding her fire until she was along side, then fired a devastating broadside. After a few short minutes, Guerriere’s masts were shot away and plunged into the sea. It was during this battle, a sailor saw a British shot bounce off Constitution‘s hull and cried, “Huzza! Her sides are made of iron!” Thus her famous nickname was born. Other Major Moments of the War • The White House and Capitol were burned to the ground during the invasion of Washington, D.C. First Lady Dolley Madison garnered fame for saving a portrait of George Washington before flames engulfed the president’s home. • In 1814, Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star Spangled Banner” while watching the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. The End of the War The War of 1812 ended in a stalemate. The treaty of Ghent signed on December 24, 1814 returned all territorial conquests made by the two sides. It did not address the issue of impressment, one of the major causes of the war.

However with the downfall of Napoleon and peace in Europe, the Royal Navy no longer needed so many sailors. Despite the inconclusive ending, later-day Americans often regarded the post war period as prosperous. With the advent of peace came decades of stability, improved diplomatic relations and economic growth, the so-called “Era of Good Feelings.” A sense of self-confidence pervaded the nation, and it inspired the western expansionism that characterized the rest of the nineteenth century. The War of 1812 allowed the new nation to break free of its colonial past, and told the nations of Europe that a new player had emerged on the world stage. As British diplomat Augustus J. Foster acknowledged at war’s end, “The Americans . . .

have brought us to speak of them with respect.” USS CONSTITUTION MUSEUM | Charlestown Navy Yard, Building 22, Charlestown, MA 02129 | 6174261812 1000+ images about War 1812 on Pinterest | Declaration of, Washington and Lake erie Forward Act of June 18, 1812 - Declaration of War with Great Britain The War of 1812 formally began on June 18, 1812, when President James Madison signed the this act into law. If you look closely you can see President Madison’s signature on the left. See More The Source - War of 1812 Disclaimer: Content created and featured in partnership with the TPS program does not indicate an endorsement by the Library of Congress. The Source This publication is created to be a source of information and inspiration for teachers as they incorporate Library of Congress digitized primary sources and resources into instruction by Teaching with Primary Sources at Eastern Illinois University.

The War of 1812 War of 1812 Introduction A second war for independence began just 29 years after the end of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812. Named after one year of a war that lasted three, the War of 1812 is often called the forgotten war. As a young country, America enjoyed trade with Britain and France however, the prosperity of this trading would soon end. Britain was at war with France and their leader Napoleon Bonaparte for nearly 20 years. 1 Britain felt the best way to defeat Napoleon was to cut off trade ships to France. England began requiring any vessels that had mercantile business with France to obtain a license at an English port before resuming the voyage to France. France retaliated by declaring that any ships visiting English ports were declared an enemy. America seemed to be in a no win situation. Battling Napoleon for so many years took a toll on the British fleet, considered the strongest fleet in the world at that time. England needed to keep a full crew on the ships. 1 The British began seizing American merchant ships and impressed thousands of sailors into the British Navy.

President James Madison saw this and other violations from England as a threat against the United States. On June 1, 1812 Madison sent a war message to Congress, the first president to make this request. The declaration was signed on June 18, 1812 and America was again at war with England. 1 The British didn't want this war, they were involved in a long fight against Napoleon and would only supply a small number of troops. With no navy and a small militia, America was ill prepared for war. Battles began on land and sea. There were devastating defeats such as the surrender of Detroit without a single shot fired on August 16, 1812. 1 When Napoleon was defeated in 1814, England focused on the war with America. 1 British General Robert Ross captured Washington D.C. on August 24, 1814 and burned government buildings including the White House, The Capitol and the Library of Congress to the ground. 1 The outlook was bleak, but Americans refused to accept defeat and struck back by defending Fort McHenry in September 1814.

1 England spent nearly ten million pounds on the war, America was nearly bankrupt and both were weary of war. 2 The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814, consisting of just 3000 words and basically restored everything to the way it was before the war. 1 None of the concerns that brought America into this war were even addressed in the treaty. There was no winner in this war, which is probably one reason it is vaguely remembered. This would be the last peace treaty England and the United States signed with one another. 2 Strangely, one of the greatest battles of the War of 1812 actually occurred after the war was officially over. Unaware of the treaty, British forces attacked New Orleans on January 8, 1815 but were defeated by Andrew Jackson's renegade army. Connecting to Illinois In 1812, Illinois was not yet a state but a territory governed by Ninian Edwards. This didn't keep Illinois from the effects of the War of 1812. Illinois became a border between the British and the American armies.

3 As early as 1811, British forces allied with Native American tribes offering them food, weapons and trade goods. 3 The British and Native American common goal was to remove American settlers from the Northwest Territory. Numerous Indian raids put fear in the Illinois settlers. Many people left for more populated areas causing the population of the territory to decline, the population did not rebound until after the war. 3 In 1803, the American Army built Fort Dearborn to protect Chicago, as it was an important port for trade. 4 During the War of 1812, the British united with the Native Americans to win back this territory. 4 Fort Dearborn was abandoned on August 15, 1812, as soldiers and settlers fled when over 500 Indians attacked. 4 Half of the soldiers and settlers were killed, the rest captured and Fort Dearborn was burned to the ground. 4 Men, women and children who were captured were distributed among Indian tribes, where many were treated cruelly and died. 5 In October 1812, Governor Ninian Edwards and almost 400 Illinois troops and U.S.

Rangers started north from Edwardsvillle and burned two Kickapoo villages on the Sangamon River. 6 They marched on to Lake Peoria, home of a large Kickapoo and Potawatomi village. 6 Edwards and his men attacked at dawn killing 24 to 30 Indians without losing a single soldier. 6 For protection from constant Indian attacks, forts and blockhouses were built. There were at least 94 forts and blockhouses built in the southern Illinois Territory. 3 Because of these shelters, Indians preferred to attack small isolated cabins. 3 Unfortunately, most of the casualties from these Indian attacks were women and children. 3 The Treaty of Ghent officially ended the War of 1812 but hostilities remained in the Illinois Territory. Many communities began to grow in southern Illinois. Still leery of Indian attacks many settlers were apprehensive about settling in northern region. By 1818, when Illinois became a state, the population of southern Illinois grew to nearly 40,000 people while 100 people lived in Chicago. 4 As we remember the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, we need to observe the contribution Illinois gave to this conflict.

3 Place to Go Primary Sources to See Fort LaMotte : Located in Palestine, Illinois, the War of 1812 is revisited in the replica of "old Fort LaMotte". This fort was one of three built in the Palestine area during the war. Before construction began, research on period forts and combing through historical records describing War of 1812 forts and blockhouses in the territory was conducted. Aided by a few scraps of historical information on the original Fort LaMotte, a layout for the fort was developed that would consist of a durable and sturdy stockade enclosing approximately 100 feet on the side with a single blockhouse in one corner, an Ensign's cabin, two lean-to shelters, and a water well. This would complete the first phase of construction. The last full weekend in April, Palestine celebrates Fort LaMotte Days. This celebration includes an 1812 encampment, archaeological displays, tours of Fort LeMotte and a battle reenactment.

Toeing the Mark You hear it at sporting events, military events, national celebrations or maybe you performed it in school, but "The Star Spangled Banner", our national anthem, began as a poem written during the War of 1812. Major George Armistead was commander at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore was America's third largest city during the War of 1812 and it was only a matter of time before the British set their sights on claiming the city for England. Armistead wanted a flag over Fort McHenry that the British could see from miles away. He commissioned Mary Pinkersgill, a Baltimore flag maker, to sew two flags, a small storm flag and a large garrison flag, 30 by 42 feet. 7 To put this into perspective, the size of the flag would measure about one-fourth the size of a modern basketball court. 7 This larger flag was know as "The Star Spangled Banner". The attack on Fort McHenry came on September 12, 1814 and American forces were able to hold off the British troops. 7 On September 13, the British naval forces began a 25 hour bombardment on Fort McHenry.

7 Rockets whistled through the air and burst into flames, mortars fired bombshells that exploded in showers of fiery shrapnel. 7 While the battle commenced, Francis Scott Key, a successful lawyer was aboard a British ship trying to secure the release of a civilian prisoners. 7 Afraid Key would reveal plans of the attack, the British detained him aboard the ship until the battle was over. 7 Key witnessed the attack on Fort McHenry. At dawn on September 14, 1814 the skies became quiet. The British were retreating and the battle was over. In the distance, Key saw the huge flag still flying over Fort McHenry and knew that the American soldiers had not surrendered. Francis Scott key was so moved by the sight of that flag still waving he began to compose a poem. He worked all night revising and creating four verses about the American victory.7 First titled "The Defense of Fort McHenry", the poem was published and set to the music of an 18th century British tune "Anacreon in Heaven". The poem and music made its first public performance on October 19, 1814.

7 A music store published the words and music under the title "The Star Spangled Banner". 7 "The Star Spangled Banner" became one of America's most popular patriotic songs. 7 During the Civil War, a time when Americans turned to music to express their feelings, "The Star Spangled Banner" was referencing many songs. "Farewell to the Star Spangled Banner" and "Adieu to the Star Spangled Banner Forever", were songs published in the Confederacy while "Flag of our Union Forever" and "March on for the Union" were sung to express loyalty to the Union. 8 On July 26, 1889, "The Star Spangled Banner" became the official tune to be played during the raising of the flag. 8 In 1917, both the United States Army and Navy designated the song be played for ceremonial purposes but it was not the official national anthem despite attempts by patriotic organizations. 7 After decades of attempts, Congress passed a bill making "The Star Spangled Banner" the official national anthem for the United States. 7 The Bill was signed by President Herbert Hoover on March 3, 1931.

Most Americans know the first verse to Francis Scott Key's Star Spangled Banner as our national anthem, yet there are three other verses that are rarely performed. "On the shore, dimly seen thought the mists of the deep. Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes. What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep. As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam. in full glory reflected now shines in the stream: Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! And where is that band who so vauntingly swore that the havoc of war and the battle's confusion. A home and a county should leave us no more! Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave from the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave. And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave. O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: "In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!" 9 Primary Sources in the Classroom The Teacher's Page The Library of Congress offers classroom materials and professional development to help teachers effectively use primary sources from the Library's vast digital collections in their teaching. Presentations and Activities Presentations and Activities offer media-rich historical context or interactive opportunities for exploration to both teachers and students. Thanksgiving Timeline President James Madison proclaimed a national day of prayer and thanksgiving after the end of the War of 1812. American Memory Timeline: The New Nation, 1783-1815 James Madison one of the authors of the Constitution led the new nation through another war with Great Britain. This, of course, was the unpopular War of 1812. This war ended in 1815 and if nothing else it convinced Britain that the United States was on the map to stay.

Lesson Plans Teacher created lesson plans using Library of Congress primary sources. Thomas Jefferson's Library: Making a Case for a National Library Students examine a letter written by Thomas Jefferson and identify techniques he used to persuade Congress to purchase his personal library. Students consider a selection of Jefferson's books and then write their own persuasive letters urging the books' purchase, while considering the question: "Why would Congress need this book to shape or govern the nation?" Collection Connection Historical Content and Ideas for Teaching with specific Library of Congress primary source collections. James Madison Papers This collection documents the activities of the fourth president of the United States. Included are materials documenting his two terms as President including materials on the War of 1812. The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress These papers represent the largest collection of original Jefferson documents in the world. The materials covers Jefferson's role in the War of 1812. Nineteenth Century in Print: Periodicals The War of 1812 was the new nation's first military effort to defend its sovereignty and its right to be treated as an equal in foreign relations. A number of articles written during the Civil War reflected on events during the War of 1812.

Students can read the article "Memoir of Lewis Clover, "A Prisoner of War" relating the story of a young sailor's involvement in events leading up to the war and his imprisonment. The First American West: The Ohio River Valley, 1750-1820 This collection documents the travels of the first Europeans to enter the trans-Appalachian west, the maps tracing their explorations, and relations with Native American people. Books and letters in the collection record land acquisitions, agricultural development, navigation, trade, and political affairs in the early Federal period including western conspiracies and the War of 1812. loc.gov America's Story Created for children, the Library of Congress, America's Story wants you to have fun with history while learning at the same time through interactive games and stories. Meet Amazing Americans Discover the inventors, politicians, performers, activists and other everyday people who made this country what it is today. Andrew Jackson: The War of 1812 and the Battle of New Orleans Andrew Jackson is the only president who served in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The War of 1812 gave him the national recognition he would later need to win the presidency.

Andrew Jackson: From Horseshoe Bend to the Trail of Tears On August 30, 1813, Creek Indians had killed hundreds of frontier settlers at Fort Mims, Jackson and his militia were sent to fight the Creeks. James Madison: Second War of American Independence On June 18, 1812, James Madison signed Congress's official declaration of war against England, find out why. James Madison: Madison's Memorable Wife In August 1814, the British burned the White House to the ground, find out what item Dolly Madison refused to leave without. Thomas Jefferson: Jefferson and the Library of Congress During the War of 1812 the British invaded Washington and burned the Capitol building in 1814. They also burned the 4,000 volumes in the Library of Congress. What do you think Jefferson decided to do for Congress? William Henry Harrison: Harrison's Military Career Learn about William Henry Harrison's contributions to the War of 1812. Explore the States Find out what happened in your state. Maine: The Port of Portland, Maine Would you ever guess that the closest U.S. port city to Europe is in Maine? Well, it is.

Jump Back in Time Take a trip to an era in American History. January 8, 1815: Winning the Battle of New Orleans On this day in 1815, Major General Andrew Jackson led a small, poorly equipped army to victory against 8,000 British troops at the Battle of New Orleans. Today in History Each day an event from American history is illustrated by digitized items from the Library of Congress American Memory historic collections. June 18, 1812: The War of 1812 President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain, marking the beginning of the War of 1812. May 9, 1813: Siege of Fort Meigs General William Henry Harrison turned back a siege by Shawnee military leader Tecumseh and British general Henry A. Proctor. December 19, 1813: Old Fort Niagara Captured 500 British soldiers and 500 militia and Indians cross the Niagara River determined to sieze Old Fort Niagara on the opposite shore in New York.

August 19, 1814: The Burning of Washington Upon entering the city, the British set fire to the White House, the Capitol, and many other public buildings. January 8, 1815: Battle of New Orleans Major General Andrew Jackson led a small, poorly-equipped army to victory against eight thousand British troops at the Battle of New Orleans. Exhibitions Discover exhibitions that bring the world's largest collection of knowledge, culture, and creativity to life through dynamic displays of artifacts enhanced by interactivity. War of 1812 The journal kept by surgeon Amos Evans aboard the American frigate USS Constitution is one of two naval medical journals known to have survived from the period. It contains the only detailed first-person account of the Constitution's famous August 19, 1812, battle at sea with the La Guerriere, in which the British ship was vanquished. The Burning of the City of Washington Encountering neither resistance nor any United States government officials President Madison and his cabinet had fled to safety, the British quickly torched the White House, the Capitol, which then housed the Library of Congress, the navy yard, and several American warships.

American Memory American Memory provides free and open access through the Internet to written and spoken words, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, and sheet music that document the American experience. It is a digital record of American history and creativity. These materials, from the collections of the Library of Congress and other institutions, chronicle historical events, people, places and ideas that continue to shape America, serving the public as a resource for education and lifelong learning. An American Time Capsule: Three Centuries of Broadsides and Other Printed Ephemera The Printed Ephemera Collection at the Library of Congress is a rich repository of Americana. In total, the collection comprises 28,000 primary source items dating from the seventeenth century to the present and encompassing key events and eras in U.S. history, including the War of 1812. One example is a proclamation issued by President James Madison announcing that the U.S. had declared war on Great Britain. A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation This collection contains a large selection of Congressional material related to the War of 1812, including debates, laws, journals, documents, and reports.

The Annals of Congress contains the debates of Congress during this time period. The appendix of the Annals of Congress presents documents related to the War of 1812 and peace negotiations with Great Britain. The American State Papers provides legislative and executive documents concerning Great Britain. The United States Statues at Large includes the declaration of war against Great Britain signed by President Madison and the Treaty of Ghent which ended the war. The First American West: The Ohio River Valley, 1750-1820 This collection assembles 15,000 pages of original historical material documenting the land, peoples, exploration, and transformation of the trans-Appalachian West from the mid-eighteenth to the early nineteenth century. The collection contains over thirty items directly related to the War of 1812, including letters and journals. The James Madison Papers The James Madison papers consist of correspondence and notes that trace his two terms as the fourth president of the United States, illuminating the origins and course of the War of 1812, including copies of letters written by Madison to Secretary of War John Armstrong.

Madison's observations from the August 24, 1814 capture of Washington by British troops is available in this collection. The Thomas Jefferson Papers at the Library of Congress Jefferson's papers consist of approximately 27,000 documents ranging in date from 1606 to 1827. Correspondence, memoranda, notes, and drafts of documents make up two-thirds of the papers. This collection contains many of Jefferson's letters written to and from James Madison and others concerning the War of 1812. Wise Guide A monthly web magazine of historical highlights and fascinating facts from the Library of Congress. January 8: What's Important about January 8th? If you lived in the South during the 19th century, you'd have no trouble answering this question. Web Guides : The Library of Congress is home to many of the most important document sin American history. This website provides links to materials digitized form the collections of the Library of Congress that supplement and enhance the study of these crucial documents.

A Guide to the War of 1812 : The digital collections of the Library of Congress contain a wide variety of material associated with the War of 1812, including manuscripts, broadsides, pictures, and government documents. This guide compiles links to digital materials related to the War of 1812 that are available throughout the Library of Congress Website. Treaty of Ghent : The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain. Peace negotiations began in Ghent, Belgium, starting in August of 1814. After four months of talks, the treaty was signed on December 24, 1814. The Senate unanimously ratified the Treaty of Ghent on February 16, 1815. Prints and Photographs The collection of the Prints and Photographs Division include photographs, fine and popular prints and drawings, posters, architectural and engineering drawings. Popular Graphic Arts About 15,000 historical prints created to document geographic locations or popular subjects and sometimes used for advertising and educational purposes. When searching War of 1812, paintings and etchings of great battles, war ships and cartoons are found.

Miscellaneous Items in High Demand This collection consists of more than 80,000 descriptions of individual images. Images relating to the War of 1812 include lithograph of United States Army and Navy uniforms from the War of 1812, a painting of the first shot of the war and a photograph of the room where the Treaty of Ghent was signed. Citations 2. PBS, The War of 1812, The Treaty of Ghent 3. The War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, Frontier Warfare

Question: June 18, 1812 saw the start of the War of 1812 when the US Congress declared war on who?
Answer: Great Britain